Unclued lights are a set of literary 40s. Their creator is hidden in the grid and should be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore one accent.
 

Across

1    How ducks eat, billions in valley (6)
7    In college, record time to take degree (6)
11    Garden visitor, immature female, tiny size (10)
13    Cleave small, timid mammal (5)
14    Freeman’s compliance with new role (5)
15    Awaiting insurance, ripped off? (7, two words)
18    To live right by waterfall is capital (6)
19    Reject a tough fish (4)
22    Won’t stay to the end in rough pub (6)
24    So a Mister may become Misters (9)
25    Man enlisted in the back crew (5)
26    Unclean...